RMH Charitable Association Launches
Capital Campaign for Digital Mammography

Breast Cancer is on the rise: 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.  Most of the women who get breast cancer are post menopause, but almost 8,000 diagnosed each year are under 50 years of age. Most families had first hand experience with breast cancer in a family member or friend.  Mammography is effective in detecting breast cancer early.

Traditional mammograms use X-ray film to record the images. The film is hung on a light box for the radiologist to view the single image and evaluate breast health.  Digital mammography acquires the image using X-rays as before, but utilizes a special computer that is interfaced with the mammography X-ray unit.   The images are immediately converted to digital pictures that appear on very high resolution computer screens.  The images can be viewed immediately by the technologist and Radiologist.  The computer participates in the image evaluation by “flagging” areas of the breast tissue that need close inspection by the radiologist.  The radiologist is able to manipulate the image by lightening or darkening the image, zooming in or out, and using special computer software is able to carefully evaluate any potentially cancerous lesion.

One of the many reasons Ransom Memorial Hospital is designated a Five-Star Hospital is because of the dedication to offer the community the best in care and technology. The RMH Charitable Association and the RMH Auxiliary are teaming up to raise $500,000 for Digital mammography which is the new state of the art in early detection of breast cancer.  The benefits of Digital Mammography are as follows:

1. The digital mammography image can be adjusted after the exam, enabling the radiologist to see areas of concern more entirely.
2. Ability for radiologist to improve contrast between dense and non-dense breast tissue.
3. Ability to acquire images in a shorter period of time.
4. Reduced exam time for the patient.
5. Reduced need for the patient to return after screening mammography for additional film studies.
6. Reduced time for staff to prepare images for reading by radiologists.
7. Quicker results for patients and their physicians.
8. Easier image storage and quicker retrieval of studies when needed.
9. More accurate detection of breast cancer because the ability to zoom in and magnify an area.
10. Ability to transmit images electronically to other physician’s for continuing care.
11. Computer flagging of potential lesions.

“I am very happy for the women of Franklin County and our medical staff that digital mammography will be coming to Ransom Memorial Hospital in the near future.  Digital mammography is the state of the art for diagnosing breast cancer and is fast becoming the standard of care for diagnosing breast cancer.  It enhances our ability to diagnose breast cancer in the premenopausal female and in women with very dense breast tissue, including the very young.” 

Dr. Bob Davis, MD., Diagnostic Radiologist          Medical Director of Imaging Services, RMH

The campaign begins now during National Breast Cancer Awareness month 2009, and will continue for some time.  The Ransom Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board has already pledged $100,000 toward this needed project.  We hope to have an open house for the Digital Mammography center next October during National Breast Cancer Awareness month 2010.  For more information or to help us achieve the financial requirements for the new digital mammography, contact Brenda Pfizenmaier at 229-8458 or go to www.ransom.org.